Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice- 12th Edition: Texture

Abstract Texture

A texture derived from the appearance of an actual surface but rearranged and/or simplified by the artist to satisfy the demands of the artwork.

Actual Texture

A surface that can be experienced through the sense of touch (as opposed to a surface visually simulated by the artist).

Assemblage

A technique that combines grouping actual items (three-dimensional display) in a display. The items may be found or specially created, and they are often displayed "in situ" — that is, in a natural position or in the middle of a room rather than on the wall.

Atmospheric Perspective

The illusion of depth produced in graphic works by lightening values, softening details and textures, reducing value contrasts, and neutralizing colors in objects as they recede.

Collage

A technique in picturemaking in which real materials possessing actual textures are attached on the picture plane surface, often in combination with painted or drawn passages.

Genre Painting

Paintings with subject matter that concerns everyday life, domestic scenes, family relationships, and the like.

Invented Texture

A created texture whose only source is in the artist's imagination. It generally produces a decorative pattern and should not be confused with abstract texture.

Paint Quality

The intrinsic character of a painting material — thickness, glossiness, and so forth — which can enrich a surface through its own textural interest.

Papier Colle

A visual and tactile technique in which scraps of paper having various textures are pasted to the picture surface to enrich or embellish those areas. The printing of text or images on those scraps can further provide visual richness or decorative pattern.

Pattern

Any artistic design (sometimes serving as a model for imitation). 2. A series of repeated elements and/or designs that are usually varied and produces interconnections and obvious directional movements.

Simulated Texture

A convincing copy or translation of an object's texture in any medium. (see Trompe l'oeil)

Tactile

A quality that refers to the sense of touch.

Texture

The surface character of a material that can be experienced through touch or the illusion of touch. Texture is produced by natural forces or through an artist's manipulation of the art elements.

Trompe L' oeil

Literally, "deceives the eye"; the copying of nature with such exactitude as to be mistaken for the real thing. (see simulated texture)